Stories about all types of debris floating in Iowa rivers after the June floods have some anglers worried about the prospect of their catch being contaminated. Steve Waters of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says the fish are okay to eat.
Waters says he’s had several calls because of the many things like propane tanks and other containers floating in the flooded rivers. Waters says their experience from 1993 shows the fish are okay to eat. Waters says the large amount of floodwater has helped keep the fish from becoming contaminated.
Waters says all the floodwater has diluted everything that gets into the water, so it is not a problem for the fish, and they are safe to eat. Waters says the only problem may be getting to the fish.
Waters says rivers are still bankfull, and while the water has receded, he says you need to be very observant and wear your lifejackets. Waters says many areas saw their docks and boat ramps damaged, and that could be another problem for people trying to get out onto the water.